#290 Words of WisdomMy Dad has Alzheimers, and I am here to say that he is so much more than that disease. He is my Father and my Brother in Christ, a man of God. My Dad’s mind has been failing for over the past five years from Alzheimers. His short term memory is gone. He sometimes forgets my Mom, but is able to remember their relationship when she reminds him they have been married for over 50 years, and when she shows him their wedding picture. Sometimes he forgets us, his children. He asks the same questions over and over and over. He is still able to dress and feed himself. He still reads out loud, with expression. He loves to read and re-read a sermon he gave years ago on Forgiveness. When things out of the ordinary happen he becomes very agitated and sometimes hostile. My Mom usually gives him a sermon or Scripture to read, and most often this totally changes his irritation into gratitude and he is pleasant once again.

We developed a family ritual, years ago, that whenever it was anyone’s birthday, they would have a chance to share some “Words of Wisdom.” My Mom has recently been asking my Dad, “What are the Words of Wisdom for today.” Here are some of my Dad’s responses, laboriously written.2/18/14 “GODS GRATIOUS IS PERMISSIONS FOR US, BECAUSE GOD’S STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN OUR WEEKNESS. OUR GOD AND HIS LOVING SON REALY KNOW, REALY KNOW ALL OUR NEADS, AND WILL NEVER LEAVE NOR FORESAKE US.”2/19/14 “GODS WORDS WISDOM IS: PAY ATTENTION WITH GODS WORDS OF WISDOM EACH TODAY!2/21/14 “GOD GRACE IS SUFICIENT FOR US, AND HIS STRENGTH FOR US, AND GODS STRENGTH IS MADE IS MADE PERFECT IN OUR WEAKNE.FOD GODS STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN OUR WIKNESS.”2/22/14 “GODS GRACIOUS IS SUFFEOUS, FOR US, BECAUSE GODS STRENGTH IS MADE PERFIT IN WEEKNESS. CONTINUE TO TRUST IN HIM FOR HE IS MORE THAN ABLE TO TAKE CARE FOR ALL OF HIS CHILDREN, NOW AND FORABLE.”2/24/14 “GODS WORDS ARE SUFISHINT FOR US, LO GODS STRENGTH IS MADE SUFICIENT FOR US.”The words he penned are hard to read; there are spelling errors and the language can be hard to understand. But my Dad’s heart belongs to God and he expresses his faith in the way he knows how. It is precious and beautiful.My Dad’s Words of Wisdom help me to realize that God can use us in every phase of our life, even at the times when we are or feel limited. Psalm 92:12-15Our imperfect works are endearing to Him when they come from a heart that loves Him. Psalm 103:13-14 (Kind of like how a parent judges their child’s art work!—Brother Carl)When we become irritated or agitated, let us go back to God’s Words of Wisdom. Psalm 119:105Let us guard against Spiritual Alzheimer’s, (Psalm 106:13) and remember His past and present Blessings. Let us cherish the memory we have and use it to remember the good things He has lavished upon us. Psalm 116:7Let us remember God’s commitment to us in our limitations. Isaiah 46:4 (a promise to both natural and spiritual Israel)Let us be patient with one another in whatever our limitations and challenges may be. If we could truly hear or ‘read’ the heart, many of our judgments and irritations with others would be replaced by love. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17; Ephesians 4:32Let us cherish the relationships we have, and express our love now, and over and over so that love can be heard and remembered. Mark 14:8Let us glory in the Memory of God. “Can a woman forget her baby, or disown the child of her womb? Though she might forget, I never could forget you. See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands, your walls are ever before me.” Isaiah 49:15 (Tanakh)

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